ERC claim clubs row resolved
European Rugby Cup chiefs have announced that top English and French clubs will take part in next season's Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup competitions.
ERC released a statement just 45 minutes before kick-off in the Heineken Cup final between Leicester and Wasps at Twickenham.
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The Heineken Cup will feature English and French teams next year after the dispute was resolved
Next season's tournaments had been plunged into chaos after English and French clubs announced a boycott almost two months ago.
But detailed talks, notably involving Premier Rugby and the Rugby Football Union, now appear to have resulted in both competitions being rescued.
At one stage it looked as though England would be represented in Europe next term by clubs from outside the Guinness Premiership, but that prospect now appears to have been averted, although neither Premier Rugby nor the RFU have so far responded to ERC's declaration.
ERC chairman Jean-Pierre Lux said: "We would like to thank all of ERC's stakeholders who have been involved in discussions, and I am delighted to be able to confirm the future of both tournaments on the day of the 12th Heineken Cup Final.
"ERC stakeholders will meet shortly to finalise the agreement that will secure the long-term future of both tournaments."
Assuming there are no last-minute hitches, England will be represented in next season's Heineken Cup by seven clubs - Leicester, Gloucester, Bristol, Saracens, Wasps, London Irish and Harlequins.
